Recycling Mini-Grant Program

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority Recycling Mini-Grant Program is a locally administered funding initiative designed to support projects that enhance recycling education and improve the collection of recyclable materials within Centre County, Pennsylvania. The program is funded based on the market performance of recyclable commodities processed by the Authority in the prior calendar year, meaning that available funding levels may fluctuate annually depending on economic conditions. As a county-level authority, CCRRA plays a central role in managing waste and recycling systems for the region, and this grant program reflects its commitment to strengthening community participation in sustainable waste practices. The primary purpose of the Mini-Grant Program is to incentivize and reimburse projects that expand awareness of recycling practices or improve infrastructure and systems for collecting recyclable materials that can be processed by CCRRA. The program focuses on practical, community-level interventions, such as educational campaigns, collection improvements, or small-scale operational enhancements. However, the program explicitly excludes funding for expenses that would otherwise be eligible under Pennsylvania’s Act 101 Section 902 recycling grants, ensuring that the mini-grants remain targeted toward smaller, complementary efforts rather than large-scale capital projects. Funding is structured as a reimbursement model, meaning that awarded applicants must first incur and document eligible expenses before receiving grant funds. Awards range from 1,000 to 20,000 dollars and correspond to total project costs between 2,000 and 40,000 dollars. A mandatory 50 percent cost match is required, ensuring that applicants share financial responsibility and demonstrate commitment to project implementation. This matching requirement applies to total project costs and must be documented as part of the reimbursement process. Eligibility for the program is broad within the local context and includes municipalities, businesses, recycling collection haulers, schools at both K-12 and post-secondary levels, healthcare institutions, and nonprofit organizations. All applicants must be in compliance with applicable municipal solid waste ordinances. Joint applications are encouraged and may be considered for larger funding awards, supporting collaborative approaches to recycling improvements. However, certain entities are excluded, including recycling processors, brokers, and transportation companies, which are not eligible to apply under this program. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on criteria outlined in the program’s official guidelines and instructions. While specific scoring criteria are not detailed in the summary, applicants are expected to demonstrate measurable impact on recycling education or material collection. Successful applicants are required to submit a progress report one year after receiving funds, detailing the outcomes and effectiveness of their project in improving recycling efforts. The deadline for submitting applications for Round Three of the program is December 31, 2026. Projects must be completed within two years of the execution of the grant agreement, establishing a defined performance period for implementation. The program does not specify a formal pre-application requirement, and applicants are directed to complete an online application supported by worksheets and budget documentation. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the CCRRA Recycling Coordinator, Mimi Cooper, via phone, providing a direct point of contact for applicant support and clarification.

Emphasize measurable impact on recycling education or material collection and ensure compliance with reimbursement documentation requirements